The slow death of America’s death penalty

Dan Vasquez used to push the lever on the gas chamber, or the “coughing box,” as it was known on death row. As California’s state executioner he stared into the eyes of condemned men while they passed to the next world.

“They try to hold their breath, but it seeps in through the pores,” he told The Sunday Telegraph. “It takes seven seconds. The head rolls forward, and then they flatline. One told me ‘Everyone will dance with the grim reaper’.”

Click Here: NRL Telstra Premiership

It is 25 years since Mr Vasquez, now retired, poisoned someone with hydrogen cyanide. He is still a supporter of the death penalty. But even he now admits its days are probably numbered.

“Does it stop murders? No. Is it a deterrent? No,” he said. “If the…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

• Unlimited access to Premium articles 
• Subscriber-only events and experiences
• Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login